Student Rights and Responsibilities 2018 2019 9435-73 Street, Edmonton, AB, T6B 2A9 Phone: 780-466-7331 Email: ottewell@epsb.ca Website: ottewell.epsb.ca Principal: Mike Morison Updated: October 31, 2018
Our Commitment to High Quality Learning Environments At Edmonton Public Schools, we are deeply committed to the success and well-being of our students. Each student is entitled to a welcoming, inclusive, safe and healthy learning environment that supports high-quality learning, respects diversity, and nurtures a sense of belonging and a positive sense of self. As a District, we have established clear behaviour expectations for all students, from Kindergarten to Grade 12. The expectations are outlined in the District s Student Behaviour and Conduct Policy which was developed in consultation with students, parents, staff and community members. The policy outlines the rights and responsibilities of students, our expectations for student conduct, and the potential responses when students demonstrate unacceptable behaviour. Parental involvement in public education plays a vital role in promoting positive student behaviour. We are pleased that our ongoing partnership with families continues to make a difference for our schools and students. By working together, we will ensure our students learn the importance of good character and conduct, and our schools will remain safe and secure places to learn and thrive. Michelle Draper Board Chair Student Success and Safety Our Highest Priorities It is our shared responsibility to ensure that each student can learn and realize their potential within a safe and caring learning environment. In addition to teaching the necessary learning outcomes, our schools are places where students can develop the character and skills needed to become responsible, respectful, compassionate and successful citizens. School staff use Board Policy HG.BP Student Behaviour and Conduct as the basis for creating this Student Rights and Responsibilities document. This document is designed to communicate expectations, and balances the overarching rights and responsibilities that are communicated in our policy with the unique context of each school. The expectations and processes outlined in this document are implemented by principals in collaboration with school staff, parents and local communities. Ensuring each student can thrive in a safe, productive and welcoming learning environment is essential to our work in improving student achievement and high school completion rates. By working together to promote positive attitudes and responsible, respectful behaviour in our schools, we believe students will receive the greatest benefit during their educational journey. Darrel Robertson Superintendent of Schools Student Rights and Responsibilities 2018-2019 2
Supporting Student Success Members of the Edmonton Public Schools community, including students, parents, staff and Trustees, have a shared responsibility to help students be successful in school. Safety and well-being is fundamental to our students thriving as learners, and experiencing success and fulfillment both at school and in their lives. This Student Rights and Responsibilities document has been created to communicate clear expectations for how our students are expected to behave in order to ensure they become the best students and citizens they can be. Parents support their child s success and positive behaviour by: taking an active role in their child s personal and academic success reviewing expectations outlined in this document with their child helping them to attend school regularly and to develop the skills required to meet the school s expectations encouraging and modelling collaborative, positive and respectful relationships with others in the school community working collaboratively with the school to resolve student conduct issues reporting to the school any circumstances which may impact student safety Students are responsible for their behaviour and effort, and are expected to: contribute to the development of a welcoming, caring, respectful and safe learning environment learn, practice and demonstrate positive personal and interpersonal skills and attributes use their abilities and talents to gain maximum learning benefit from their school experience attend school regularly and punctually be responsible for behaviour which impacts others in the school, whether or not the behaviour occurs within the school building or during the school day or by electronic means School staff will help your child succeed by: providing a welcoming, caring, respectful and safe learning environment that respects diversity and fosters a sense of belonging ensuring that students and parents understand the school s expectations for student behaviour establishing supports and processes at the school to proactively guide positive student behaviour helping students develop and practice the skills and attributes to meet these expectations working with students, parents and other school staff to address behaviour concerns, including implementing appropriate responses to inappropriate student behaviour To support a shared understanding of the language and intent of this document, refer to the glossary for a definition of terms. Student Rights and Responsibilities 2018-2019 3
Our Belief and Commitment At we believe: Our culture of respect and responsibility has been the driving force behind the high academic achievement and model citizens we are proud to graduate from. WE BELIEVE IN: the uniqueness and worth of each individual in our learning community the ability of every child to learn a team approach to learning school staff, students, parents and the community working together to promote excellence in education WE ARE COMMITTED TO: providing high-quality teaching setting high expectations for student attitudes, behaviour and achievement maximizing opportunities for individual growth providing and promoting the establishment of strong relationships based on mutual respect, fairness and trust between students and teachers providing a welcoming, high-quality learning and working environments providing clear expectations for learning emphasizing literacy, numeracy, and critical and innovative thinking engaging students in learning through a focus on 21st-century literacies across all curriculums empowering students to take responsibility for their own learning Student Rights and Responsibilities 2018-2019 4
Rights and Responsibilities Our school District recognizes the following fundamental rights and responsibilities: All students have the right to be treated with dignity, respect and fairness by other staff and students. All members of the Edmonton Public Schools community, including students, parents, staff and Trustees have a role and a shared responsibility to create and support welcoming, caring, respectful and safe learning environments. Students and parents have a right to be informed about District and school expectations for student behaviour. To support this right, all schools Student Rights and Responsibilities documents will be posted on SchoolZone and on school websites. All members of our school community are expected to respect diversity and refrain from demonstrating any form of discrimination on the basis of race, religious beliefs, colour, gender, gender identity, gender expression, physical disability, mental disability, ancestry, place of origin, marital status, source of income, family status or sexual orientation. These rights and responsibilities are communicated in the Alberta Human Rights Act and the School Act and are reinforced in District policies and regulations including AE.BP Welcoming, Inclusive, Safe and Healthy Learning and Working Environments, HG.BP Student Behaviour and Conduct, HG.AR Student Behaviour and Conduct, and HFA.AR Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity which are available to the public. At Ottewell, everyone in our school community has the right to learn and work in an environment that is respectful, safe and healthy, focused on learning and success. In order to preserve these rights, students must also be aware of their individual responsibilities. At, students have the right to: be treated fairly and respectfully feel safe feel comfortable and cared for feel heard and listened to a high quality learning and working environment processes and procedures that reflect Edmonton Public s core values of accountability, collaboration, equity, and integrity At, students have the responsibility to: act in a way that contributes to our school being welcoming, caring, respectful, and safe act in a way that respects the diversity and fosters a sense of belonging of others in our school pursue their studies diligently and contribute positively and productively to the learning environment know and comply with the rules of our school cooperate with all school staff contribute positively to our school and our school community Student Rights and Responsibilities 2018-2019 5
Student Behaviour Expectations To ensure that Ottewell is a positive learning environment for everyone, all students are expected to comply with expectations set by our school District, as well as school rules which are in place for the benefit of all members of our school community. Through Board Policy HG.BP Student Behaviour and Conduct, the Board expects that students behave in accordance with Section 12 of the School Act. Section 12 states that students will conduct themselves so as to reasonably comply with the following Code of Conduct: be diligent in pursuing the student s studies; attend school regularly and punctually; co-operate fully with everyone authorized by the Board to provide education programs and other services; comply with rules of the school; account to the student s teachers for the student s conduct; respect the rights of others; ensure the student s conduct contributes to a welcoming, caring, respectful and safe learning environment that respects diversity and fosters a sense of belonging; refrain from, report and not tolerate bullying or bullying behaviour directed toward others in the school, whether or not it occurs within the school building, during the school day or by electronic means; and positively contribute to the student s school and community. Furthermore, students are expected to: resolve conflict or seek assistance to resolve conflict in a peaceful, safe, and non-threatening manner that is conducive to learning and growth. Strategies for addressing conflict between students may include counselling, mediation, or forms of restorative practice; use school and personal technology appropriately and ethically; and ensure that they conduct themselves with academic integrity and refrain from and report all incidents of academic misconduct including, but not limited to, cheating and plagiarizing. Student Dress Code At Edmonton Public Schools, students are expected to dress in a manner that reflects a positive sense of self within a welcoming, inclusive, safe and healthy learning environment. School expectations for student attire take into account a student s right to fairness, dignity and respect and will not discriminate against students based on race, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religion, cultural observance, socio-economic status, or body type. Dress code expectations will be implemented in a manner that empowers students to make decisions that promote a positive sense of self and contribute to a respectful learning environment. Student Rights and Responsibilities 2018-2019 6
Regular Attendance It s the Law Regular attendance is strongly linked to student academic success and a student s sense of belonging at school. The School Act reminds parents and students that students are expected to attend school and be punctual every day. Students are only considered to be excused from attending school if they must be away due to: sickness or other unavoidable cause the day being recognized as a religious holiday by the religious denomination that the child belongs to suspension or expulsion an exemption from compulsory attendance granted by the Board for a defined period of time Student Behaviour Expectations at : At Ottewell, excellence is the standard. We expect students to maintain high expectations for behaviour in themselves, their classmates, and in our community. Students are responsible for their conduct in all areas of our school community, including in classrooms, in hallways, in the Snack Shack line, in washrooms, in change rooms, in the Ottewell neighborhood, on field trips, and online. Dress code at. Ottewell is a professional place for working and learning, so students are expected to dress in a way that reflects our school culture which emphasizes pride, learning, and high expectations as well as maintaining a safe environment. APPROPRIATE DRESS Slogans on all clothing are positive and appropriate for the school setting All items designated as underwear are kept under cover (including when bending down) Head covers are to be worn for medical or religious reasons only Students are expected to have a change of clothes for PE classes. Running shoes are required When a staff member identifies that a student may be inappropriately dressed, the student will be directed to the office to discuss changes that might be required so that the student may return to class. The final determination about the appropriateness of student dress lies with the staff of the school Student Rights and Responsibilities 2018-2019 7
Unacceptable Behaviour Any behaviour which disrupts the educational atmosphere of the school or which interferes with the rights of others to learn, to be respected or to feel safe is unacceptable. Edmonton Public Schools policy on student behaviour and conduct outlines the following: Students are accountable for their behaviour whether or not it occurs on school property or within the school day. When behaviour that occurs off school property, or outside of regular school hours, threatens the safety or well-being of individuals within the school community or disrupts the learning environment, school administrators may apply consequences for the behaviour. Examples of unacceptable behaviour include, but are not limited to: 1. behaviours that interfere with the learning of others and/or the school environment 2. behaviours that create unsafe conditions 3. acts of bullying, harassment, threats, or intimidations whether it be in person, indirectly, or by electronic means 4. physical violence 5. retribution against any person who has intervened to prevent or report bullying or any other incident or safety concern 6. possession, use or distribution of substances restricted by federal, provincial, municipal, District or school authorities 7. any illegal activity such as: a. possession, use or distribution of illegal substances b. possession of a weapon or use of a weapon (or replica) to threaten, intimidate or harm others c. possession, use, display, or distribution of offensive messages, videos or images d. theft or possession of stolen property 8. any breach of rules and expectations established by District administrative regulations or a school-based code of conduct 9. failure to comply with Section 12 of the School Act. Student Rights and Responsibilities 2018-2019 8
Bullying and Conflict Bullying is defined in the School Act as repeated and hostile or demeaning behaviour by an individual in the school community where the behaviour is intended to cause harm, fear or distress to one or more other individuals in the school community, including psychological harm or harm to an individual s reputation. Bullying also includes the distribution of an intimate image of another person knowing that the person depicted in the image did not consent to the distribution, or being reckless as to whether or not that person consented to the distribution. Bullying can take different forms: physical (e.g., pushing, hitting) verbal (e.g., name-calling, threats) social (e.g., exclusion, rumours) electronic (e.g., using technology to harass or threaten) Conflict occurs when there is a breakdown in relationships between individuals that results from a disagreement or misunderstanding. While conflicts may require adult intervention, they are considered to be a natural part of how students learn to navigate relationships. All students are expected to refrain from, report and not tolerate bullying or bullying behaviour directed toward others in the school, whether or not it occurs within the school building, during the school day or by electronic means. Students are also expected to resolve conflict or seek assistance to resolve conflict in a peaceful, safe, and non-threatening manner that is conducive to learning and growth. School staff can help address conflict between students using strategies that may include counselling, mediation, consequences and/or forms of restorative practice. Student Rights and Responsibilities 2018-2019 9
School Responses to Unacceptable Behaviour If students fail to meet classroom, school or District expectations, a range of responses or consequences may be put in place to address unacceptable behaviour. Edmonton Public Schools policy outlines the following: Unacceptable behaviour may be grounds for disciplinary action which provides the student with an opportunity for critical learning and reflection in the areas of personal accountability and responsibility, the development of empathy, as well as communication, conflict resolution, and social skills development. The specific circumstances of the situation and of the student are taken into account when determining appropriate responses to unacceptable behaviour. When a student engages in unacceptable behaviour, consequences may include, but are not limited to: temporary assignment of a student to an alternate supervised area within the school temporary assignment of a student to an alternate learning location short term removal of privileges interventions such as positive behaviour supports, contracts, counselling, restorative practices replacement or reimbursement for loss of or damage to property in-school or out-of-school suspension referral to Attendance Board recommendation for expulsion Students are expected to cooperate with investigations by school administration. When contemplating and conducting a reasonable search of student property (including electronic devices), school administration must balance a student s reduced expectation of privacy in relation to school matters, with the need to provide a welcoming, caring, respectful and safe learning environment that respects diversity and fosters a sense of belonging for students and staff. At, we are committed to ensuring that our school is a safe and productive learning environment. Where necessary, interventions or disciplinary action may be used to address unacceptable behaviour by students. At Ottewell we utilize a progressive approach in dealing with unacceptable behaviours that respects student dignity and takes into account the student, the context of the behaviours, and includes all stakeholders. Generally: Staff work to create a learning and working environment in which students feel safe and cared for. It is our belief that if students are exposed to a positive environment then inappropriate behaviours do not develop in the first place. Should inappropriate behaviours occur they are usually handled by the classroom teacher unless the behaviour is deemed severe or serious, or the teacher requires the support of administration. This first level of intervention might include such things as a conversation with the teacher, a phone call home or other classroom based strategies. Staff document student behaviour and conduct, including interventions and supports. Student Rights and Responsibilities 2018-2019 10
If classroom based interventions are not successful in correcting inappropriate behaviours then additional consequences such as meetings with parents or administration, detentions etc., are applied. Consequences are instructive in nature, logically connected and proportional to the behaviour, and escalate in relation to the severity and frequency of the offense. The most serious behaviours are dealt with by administration who will determine the logical consequences, supports, and next steps. Students have access to a number of supports to assist them proactively in addressing inappropriate behaviours or as a part of restorative practices or post-consequence follow-ups. These include: alpha group coordinators (by last name), access to a success coach and a counsellor, as well as additional referrals to external agencies. Parents are included in all aspects of a child s education at Ottewell, including in assisting school staff in dealing with inappropriate behaviours. This includes working with parents as partners, maintaining open communication, and should situations arise, keeping parents informed as to school decisions related to consequences for inappropriate behaviours. Student Rights and Responsibilities 2018-2019 11
Centre for Education One Kingsway NW Edmonton AB T5H 4G9 T 780-429-8000 F 780-429-8318 E info@epsb.ca Student Rights and Responsibilities 2018-2019 12